3 most likely Dallas Mavericks to be traded before 2023 deadline

Dallas Mavericks player most likely to be traded before the deadline: 2. Tim Hardaway Jr.

Tim Hardaway Jr. has played a key role on the Mavs since being acquired in the original Kristaps Porzingis trade back in 2019. Yes, he is a streaky shooter that missed the team’s run to the conference finals last season after suffering a foot injury. THJ does not make plays or handle the ball much anymore. He is strictly a spot-up marksman.

The Mavericks need shooting, but they must upgrade their defense after the departure of Dorian Finney-Smith. Dallas would be trending small playing Hardaway Jr. next to Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. THJ should head back to the bench if the Mavericks cannot find a trade, but the simplest solution is trading him out of Dallas before Thursday’s deadline.

Hardaway Jr. has two years and $34.1 million remaining on his contract after this season. Can the Mavs find a team willing to take on his contract? The Cavaliers were rumored to be interested last month, and teams value THJ around the league.

The Mavericks cannot just give him away, though. They need to get back defensive help if they want to make a deep postseason run this season. Reggie Bullock and Josh Green cannot be the team’s only two defensive wings as they head into the postseason.

Tim Hardaway Jr. is certainly a name to watch as the deadline approaches.